by furaha nchimbi | 15 August 2022 08:46 pm08
What Is a Covenant?
A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between two parties. In biblical theology, covenants are central to God’s relationship with humanity. They can be conditional (based on human response) or unconditional (entirely upheld by God’s promise). The Bible reveals seven primary types of covenants, illustrating both divine initiative and human responsibility.
This type of covenant is a mutual agreement between individuals. It may involve promises, oaths, or obligations upheld by both sides, sometimes with God as a witness.
Example: Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:43–50, ESV)
“Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar.” (v.44-45)
This covenant was a family agreement concerning marriage and property. Another key example is marriage, which biblically is a covenant before God (cf. Malachi 2:14).
Theological Insight:
Human to human covenants often mirror divine principles of commitment, faithfulness, and accountability. Breaking such covenants, especially marriage, is seen as sinful and can invite divine consequences (Matthew 19:6).
These are symbolic or personal commitments involving the human will. In such cases, a person binds themselves to a code of conduct or spiritual discipline.
Example: Job and His Eyes (Job 31:1, ESV)
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”
Theological Insight:
This reflects personal sanctification a covenant of purity. It connects to New Testament calls to discipline the body (1 Corinthians 9:27) and to present one’s body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
A spiritual covenant made knowingly or unknowingly with demonic powers. Such agreements are idolatrous and detestable before God.
Example: Pagan Worship Forbidden (Exodus 23:32–33, ESV)
“You shall make no covenant with them and their gods. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me…”
Theological Insight:
Such covenants lead to spiritual bondage. They may stem from idolatry, occult practices, or generational traditions (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Deliverance through Christ is necessary to break them (Colossians 1:13–14).
This is a human-initiated covenant in response to God’s grace or command. It is often made through repentance, obedience, or dedication.
Example: Israel’s Renewal of the Covenant (Ezra 10:3, ESV)
“Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord…”
Theological Insight:
Though humanly initiated, these covenants must align with God’s will and Word. They reflect teshuvah genuine repentance and dedication to holiness (Romans 12:2).
This is a divine covenant, initiated and upheld by God. Often unconditional, such covenants reflect God’s sovereign will and redemptive plan.
Example: The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:1–9, ESV)
“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you… to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” (v.7)
Theological Insight:
This covenant is foundational to the biblical narrative. It introduces the concepts of election, inheritance, and justification by faith (Galatians 3:6–9). It prefigures the gospel.
God has made covenants with His creation, both living and non-living. These highlight His authority as Creator and His mercy toward all life.
Example: Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:9–17, ESV)
“I establish my covenant with you… never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood…”
“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant.” (v.11–13)
Theological Insight:
This universal covenant demonstrates God’s common grace His kindness to all creation (Matthew 5:45). The rainbow is a sacramental sign of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
This is the most powerful and final covenant, made between God the Father and God the Son, and fulfilled through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It is sealed in His blood.
Luke 22:20 (ESV)
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
Hebrews 12:24 (ESV)
“…to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
Theological Insight:
This covenant is eternal (Hebrews 13:20) and offers salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). It replaces the old Mosaic covenant, fulfilling the promise of a new heart and Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31–34).
It also has the power to break every demonic or sinful covenant and set people free (John 8:36, Colossians 2:14–15).
Through the blood of Jesus, God offers eternal life, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with Him. The door of grace is still open but not forever.
2 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
“But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment…”
Call to Action:
If you have not yet entered into the New Covenant through faith in Jesus Christ, do not delay. His blood speaks mercy, redemption, and victory.
May the Lord bless you.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/08/15/understanding-covenants-in-the-bible-a-theological-overview/
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